Understanding the Sociopath: Cause, Motivation, Relationship

The sociopath remains largely misunderstood.

I've been reflecting a lot lately on sociopathy as a function of commenting on television about Jodi Arias, the woman tried for the 2008 murder of her boyfriend. I've come to ask myself some very basic questions about those who are sociopaths, as I very much expect that Ms. Arias qualifies as one. Further, recently reading former Harvard professor Martha Stout's book, The Sociopath Next Door, I've been reminded how mysterious sociopathy remains.

Part of what makes sociopathy so fascinating is that we understand very little about what causes it. The sociopath overall is little understood, manifested primarily in the conventional belief that the sociopath has the malicious intent to harm others. The truth, however, is more complex than a single answer allows. Are sociopaths bad people? It's easy to utter a full-throated "Yes!" for so many reasons, but the reality is that sociopaths don't necessarily have malicious feelings toward others. The problem is that they have very little true feeling at all for others, which allows them to treat others as objects. The effect of their behavior is undoubtedly malicious, though the intention is not necessarily the same thing.

Ultimately, the sociopath typically emotionally destroys those who are close to him or her, but the sociopath destroys them in a way consistent with their unique approach to others: They take them out like your average person kills off characters in a video game. Those in the wake of the sociopath suffer because they have the liability sociopaths don't: actual human feelings that stem from a deep sense of social obligations to others, a moral anchor that is supposed to be part and parcel of having relationships.

The sense of entitlement that comes with sociopathy is astonishing to those who abide by the social laws and conventions of our culture. Where does the entitlement come from? It stems from an underlying sense of rage. Sociopaths feel deeply angry and resentful underneath their often-charming exterior, and this rage fuels their sense that they have the right to act out in whichever way they happen to choose at the time. Everything is up for grabs with sociopaths and nothing is off limits.

In relationships, sociopaths are the epitome of Machiavellian creatures. If they were astrological signs, they would be Geminis, with two distinct 'selfs' at work. They are duplicity incarnate, with a polished self shown to the world and a covert, hidden self that has a rigid and calculating agenda: assume the highest level of the social hierarchy and win, win, win. It is often the kindest and most trusting individuals who suffer the most at the hands of sociopaths, and the healing process for these individuals continues long after the relationship has ended. Those in the wake of the sociopath are often left wondering, What happened to me? Why does this one individual have such a powerful effect on me?

In the media, I'm often asked what causes sociopathy. "Are they born this way?" is one of the most frequently asked questions. The truth is that we don't know. Stout (2005) sums up the research well, explaining that as much as 50% percent of the cause of sociopathy can be attributed to heritability, while the remaining percentage is a confusing and not-yet-understood mixture of environmental factors. (Notably, a history of childhood abuse among sociopaths is not always present.) Similarly, Ferguson (2010) conducted a meta-analysis and found that 56% of the variance in Antisocial Personality Disorder, the formal disorder of sociopathy, can be explained through genetic influences.

I'm hard-pressed to say that I have vast reservoirs of empathy for the sociopath. At the same time, to see the life trajectory of a sociopath, it's hard to not feel sad that the sociopath has an existence that separates him from the vast majorty of 'normal' people. They often end up in prison and never truly know what it feels like to love and trust. Just imagine what that existence is like, not just for a week or month or summer, but for life. Do they even know what they're missing? No, but they live in a constant state of hypervigilance, viewing the world in a sterile, game-like manner. They have no real attachment to anyone.

Given the major role biology appears to play in creating or planting the seed of socioapthy, are sociopaths deserving of some empathy? If, as the research suggests, sociopaths are born with a predisposition to sociopathy, it means that they don't have total control over their behavior. To think that a poor child is born with such a horrific, life-long liability is a terribly sad reality. After all, no child deserves to carry around that kind of baggage.

As I write this, I'm reminded of an article, "The Easy Way Out With Evil," I wrote for Psychology Today about a British model who was the victim of a horrific crime in which a man threw acid on her face as she walked on the sidewalk of a crowded city street. At the time, many people responded to the news in the media and called the criminal "evil." My take on the subject was that evil was not a sufficient term for the man who committed the crime, favoring instead the notion that the criminal was mentally ill. In fact, as a psychologist, I don't believe true evil exists. Instead, I see this situation - and the larger issue of sociopathy - as a source of malfunctioning, as if a robot gone wild. We can try to call it whatever we wish, but the truth remains that we don't fully understand it and, unless brain research proves otherwise over time, we may never fully understanthane etiological process underlying sociopathy.

The current Jodi Arias trial has brought the psychological maze of sociopathy back into American culture, a trend that emerges every few years when a legal case has all the fixin's for a super-sized sensational trial. Day after day, Ms. Arias sits in the courtroom, affectless, as if a character in a movie instead of her own life. While my sense is that Ms. Arias is a true sociopath, to see her each day in the courtroom is to see a woman who appears incredibly lost, lonely, and emotionless. In so many ways, she appears to be the perfect face of sociopathy: ever-changing, highly guarded and empty. At the end of the day, she is a powerful reminder of how complex, dangerous and, yes, misunderstood the sociopath remains today.

Can you (or someone) clearly explain the difference between sociopathy and psychopathy? Because for some vague reason I am caught on the notion that sociopathy is less dangerous than psychopathy, yet I often see sociopathy as the referenced disorder of a murderer.

If you are interested in psychopathy, check out Robert Hare's work. But a quick answer: a psychopath may never be caught or break the law, and can find a way to engage in psychopathic activities and remain completely hidden, never caught.

Your assessment of sociopaths is remarkably limited for someone with your education. It seems that towing the party line regarding sociopathy is more important than understanding simple concepts such as causation. The inability to read social-emotional content present in everyday interpersonal interactions is the causative device which initiates the onset of the disorder. Every sociopathic behavior and consequence stems from this deficit, not the other way around.

You will never understand a sociopath even if you're the smartest person out there. No one understands a sociopath, sometimes not even the sociopath them selves. If you want to understand a sociopath, you have to be one, or talk to one but talking to one won't help you very much. There is no point trying to understand a sociopath, you never will.

I kind of understand sociapathy simply because I've experienced emotionlessness and detachment for a while. However I am not a killer or manipulator of any sort. I guess simply because I used to have emotions before so I understand it. If I was born emotionless then I can certainly say it wouldn't be hard to be a killer.

sociopathy is about a lack of empathy with human beings. from what you say about yr emotions i doubt very m uch you are a sociopath. but it sounds like you have suffered a severe emotional trauma. i've suffered one that shut me down for a good while. i sympathize with you. i hope you'll get through it.

T sounds like you have been through terrible experiences but this doesn't make you a sociopath. You have just managed to emotionally numb yourself. If you do not manipulate or are a pathological liar then you most likely are not sociopathic. I know what it's like to be sociopathic. I am a narcissistic sociopath and let me just say that I don't really care if you think I'm a bad person because of what I am. From my point of view being empathetic hinders people from reaching who they could become. And for anyone that's curious the reason that I manipulate (I'm sorry but it's what I do. I can't turn it off anymore than I can stop breathing) is because it enables me to toy with people like puppets. I tell them things because I am simply curious about what they will do. I hope that you people don't think I'm a monster for what I do but I can't stop it. I have accepted it. It's who I am. To anyone who is curious I am thirteen years old. And I am proud.

This is whats called narcissist supply, you will need to hurt , you will feed off the reactions, you then proceed to try to destroy this human and move on to the next source of supply, you have no other options. Your life means nothing , you are an empty vessel. I liken you to a demon , you have no remorse therefore no repentance , there is no hope for you. You have a deformed amygdala in other words you are retarded. I am so sorry ~

I also disagree with with some of the comments regarding the sociopath.to refer to one as a "poor child" or someone who was "born this way" is just the excuse they need to not even face the fact that they need to change. In fact, most sociopaths already no how to play the "see,it's not my fault" card by attributing their behavior to some disability that is beyond their control. All this article does is scream to the world that the writer can be fooled by the best of them

I'm not sure if "reservations" is the right word. At any rate, what do I want to say?

I feel very close to sociopaths. It's only recently that I've come to this place. This recent shift in my consciousness has me even asking myself, "Is it possible that I am a sociopath?" The process of change began when I began thinking about trying out sociopathic behavior for a week. The "program" I have in mind is of one week to quit my usual habits and the company of friends and acquaintances for a week and to be with peopile with whom I will no contact after the week, and operate without the normal regard I have for others, without any compassion for them, without any compunction about deceiving them, about taking advantage of them, etc. The power that I felt with that decision was enormous. I felt a tremendous freedom at the prospect of getting rid of the drag which I suddenly realized was a price of my conscience and compassion for others. And i felt an eagerness for that week of freedom. Other things came rushing at me. I have an acquaintance whom I've suspected for a long time to be a sociopath. All of a sudden I felt a very strong bond with him. "You are not alone" ran through my mind, and i began to wish fervently that we might bump into each other that afternoon. A real sense of compassion for him came to me, not for the kinds of reasons you put forth, but because I feel that his suffering is due to the fact that he does not realize that he is a separate species. He (we?) are not humans. We are a different species. And we can find spiritual fulfilment only if we become conscious of that and enter into relationships of compassion with our own kind. The essential marker for membership in a species is the capacity for "feeling with" the members of one's species. That in my mind is a self-evident proposition. (But "self-evident" does not at all mean "obvious.") Please know that the foregoing is not an expression of my convictions, but it is very much a description of something i am feeling right now.

I could go on with this, but I feel for the moment this is enough to start a dialog with you. I hope you'll respond to my attempt to do that. Let me add tho' one more thing. It has long been my suspicion that the sociopath has long been in a synergistic relationship with the human species. Because of his cold-blooded consciousness, he has been able to make decisions for the community without which its survival would have been impossible, decisions which a human could never make because of compassion for others of his species. I have also been wondering whether recent events are evidence that we need to end the synergy and move into the unknown, a place where we no longer have the benefit of the sociopath's services.

Regards,

Tom arnall
Ensenada, Baja Norte
Mexico

PS. Is it true that the term "sociopath" has been dropped from the psychiatric categories? If so, what led to the change?

Not sure if you'll even receive this email since your reply was posted over a year ago on here. I found your comments interesting. Especially the part where you said sociopaths are a different "species". Do you know anything about the "species" of people that are Empaths? There is a interesting magnetic attraction between sociopaths and empaths. Maybe because opposites attract? Yet, in my research I find that most empaths do not realize they are dealing with sociopaths until it's too late, some never realize it. Some do not even realize they ARE empaths. Sociopaths suck the life out of people. They should be annihilated in my opinion.

I believe that I am a sociopath, and in my experience I am attracted to very emotional people because they are very easy to manipulate. You can make yourself out to be whoever you deem they need to see you as in order to see how they react to the situation. I manipulated people, not for my amusement, but to learn about human emotions. I had to pick someone who would be easy to isolate and control in order to preserve the integrity of my experiments. I didn't enjoy that I had to hurt people, but I had to save myself from myself. I often thought that death would be the best way to protect the people I care about from myself, and it was the idea that I was doing it for a something important that made me keep going. I've seen suicide, and it was my fault. But I also know that I can make that wasted life have a meaning again. Not because of guilt, but because I see the family of the deceased and I know that I am responsible for their pain. And I know that I am ready to shoulder the hatred and anger from the people that I will have to hurt and leave behind to try to change this world. And I am willing to do it because I respect the power emotion can have over people and I know that, no matter what, my dedication to this mission cannot be shaken because I am capable of turning my emotions off. Being a sociopath can be a blessing or a curse both for you and for those around you someone will get hurt. The only difference is that the sociopath doesn't know what pain is because they've rarely experienced it if they have at all.

Anyways, to respond to your comment I don't think most sociopaths would go for empaths. Especially since people with super strong emotions just tends to get us annoyed and just ends up exhausting to be around after a while. Which is, I think, the main reason why most sociopaths drop a lot of people out of the blue.

Whether they lead that person or not depends on who that person is, but when things get annoying or we lose interest we just leave. There's nothing to do with you and there's no experience that's worthwhile enough to stick around for.

Basically, I don't speak for all sociopaths but I'm talking from my experience at least, relationships are more... Like things to keep boredom at bay, or to use as self improvement of some kind.

Anyways, regarding that last part, I believe a lot of people, mainly women, who get out of bad relationships always claim their partners are sociopaths. Which always makes me skeptical since women tend to get hysterical after break ups and make up all sorts of things. It's not uncommon for them to name people who left as heartless bastards.

All I'm saying is, most sociopaths have moral codes and we don't go out and risk our necks on stupid shit like the above, and other things like crime etc, because it's too easy to get traced back to us. So, whatever the hell kind of idea you have about sociopaths will probably almost always be wrong. All of them are different, some more disturbed and stupid, others highly intelligent and functioning exceptionally well with a family and everything.

Just food for thought. Probably not the person you needed, but I'm getting tired of reading through the hoards of people claiming to be sociopaths and have ASPD in this comment section. Makes me cringe at these edge lords.

I have have had the "pleasure" of knowing two sociopaths! Both male and both with almost the same background growing up! Both were the youngest by a decade. Both mothers were dying and both were young while other siblings had already moved out of house to make their own lives.
I am the object of a sociopath as we speak. He is my BFS brother. When he moved in we would talk. (At this point I had no idea he was a sociopath!) He wasn't talking to me as a friend--he was finding out everything about me. Allow me to interject---the sociopath lived in a different state for years.He then out of the blue contacts his father and moves in with his father and stepmother. For some reason unknown to me--his father wanted to get rid of him like a hot potatoe! While he was living with father ( father gets mysteriously very tired and dies!) Before he dies he pawns the sociopath on his brother.
The sociopath one by one steals my things! He starts with my pain meds. I was then at high dosage and every month he would steal them--I would go into withdrawal and risk my life! I since then have weaned myself to smaller dosages!
I think he has done all of this to manipulate my relationship and to push his brother to be stressed and drink because he is an alcoholic with major physical problems! The end result he can just move into brothers life when he is gone!

I am dumb struck by the number of people who write articles about a part of human nature that is very hard to conceptualize.

In 1987 I stated dating women who have 'slight sociopathic traits'
Their sex life was more than the average person could imagine. They were premiscous, too sexual, very deceptive, manipulative, lied alot, got out responsibilities by lying. Further I was conned 99% by females that on the surface seem 'innocent'.

But look closely. Many of the type of women that most men find desirable have a 'split personality' Why? Because many of them
have had numerous marriages and children out of wedlock and have not divulged that to their partner.

Many women condone that kind of behavior, many of thrive in that kind of environment.

In the United States many women told "Don't get emotional about dating. Don't get attached." Those were the first signs of sociopathism.

Others, men who couldn't date them, began to grudge me, looking for an excuse for violent words, anger, repressed anger, and threats. These threats have existed to this very day?

Why? Because many of these men are homosexual will not admit it. They are closted, and they use that as a way to get out of their bad dating life.

The other, grudging their enemies.

In 2008 I had dated more than 9 sociopathic women. They are alluring, seductive, attractive oh yes sexual. But they are bad people.

One slept with me the minute her boyfriend left town. The other had a husband and lied to even when I asked her "Are you married?"

One had a family with me, and another husband and family in another state.

Sound like an LMT movie. It's real. The women who support socipathic promiscuity are themselves sociopaths.

In 2008 a violent predator sociopath came out to kill. Check all your real definitions. Violence, premiscouity, no conscience=sociopath.

The fact is that when I discovered that many of my partners were liars it was too late.

Sociopathic females came out of the wood work to make threats, to attack, and to lie.

Sir, the fact that you have said that every sociopathic female 'came out of the wood work to make threats, to attack, and to lie' is quite resentful. I, myself, is a sociopathic female, and yet, I have never used a man like that. In fact, many of us haven't. Check how you word your opinions, as people, even sociopaths, can get offended.

Your past history shows, not an overt knowledge of sociopathy, but rather poor common sense/judgement on your part in choosing partners who were less than optimal. The people you describe sound more like lost souls than sociopaths. I would highly recommend that you go see mental health specialists to explore why you choose to associate with people that have so much baggage (as well as ensuring to follow up with a regular doctor to ensure you have not caught anything due to being exposed to so many people).
As to sociopaths...I really do not see why any self-respecting sociopath would choose to engage in behaviors that, rather than help them, would seem more likely to weigh them down with unnecessary baggage and stress. Just my opinion, though.

it's quite possible that you are an EMPATH. These sociopathic people are "labeled" too much. Another description is Borderline Personality Disorder. People become this way to due to a traumatic childhood. Abuse, neglect, sexual abuse. It messes up the psyche.

I am an empath and was severely abused by my sociopathic mother and brother. The many horrible years of abuse did not turn me evil. It messed me up to where I had no self esteem and was severely self destructive but I have tons of empathy for others and it just gets stronger as I get older. My dad is an empath. I believe it is mostly hereditary. I am thankful I received my dads empathy. My brother has spent more time in prison than out. he is now 50 years old.
My husbands ex wife is a sociopath and so are three of his 4 children. his empath child (who was his youngest) died at the hands of his mother at the age of 20 and she got away with it. true story!
I am writing a book about the horrid mess

I am dumb struck by the number of people who write articles about a part of human nature that has become a popular facet of American women. Violent men, vindictive females and their sociopathic pasts.

In 1987 I started dating a women who had'slight sociopathic traits'

Her sex life was more than the average person could imagine. She was premiscous, too sexual, very deceptive, manipulative, lied alot, got out responsibilities by lying. Further as the years went on I was conned 99% by females that on the surface seemed 'innocent'.

But look closely. Many of the type of women that most men find desirable have a 'split personality' Why? Because some of them
have had numerous marriages and children out of wedlock and have not divulged that to their new sex partner.

Many women condone that kind of behavior, many of thrive in that kind of environment.

Premiscous dating patterns in females in the 1980's were contradictory to their parents, and the mothers. Further none of these promiscous patterns were ever divulged to males they dated. Nor was it condoned.

In 2008 I run into the first obvioius sign of 'sociopathic women'. They are alluring, seductive, attractive oh yes sexual. But there is a jeckyl/hyde type personality lurking behind that 'mask of sanity.'

One slept with me the minute her boyfriend left town. The other had a husband and lied to me even when I asked her "Are you married?" When I confronted the later and said "It wrong. You shouldn't be dating me if you have a husband. She said "He doesn't know. You sure you want to leave me." She began lying and stealing money from him to pay for things during our relationship. I ended the relationship the minute she crossed those lines.

One had a family with me, and another husband and family in another state.

Sound like an LMT movie. It's real. The women who support socipathic promiscuity are themselves sociopaths.

The fact is that feminism the US began with crushing the strong value systems that I liked as a young man in the 1970's. Family time, friendship with you family, spending time with your neighbors.

I am dumb struck by the number of people who write articles about a part of human nature that has become a popular facet of American women. Violent men, vindictive females and their sociopathic pasts.

In 1987 I started dating a women who had'slight sociopathic traits'

Her sex life was more than the average person could imagine. She was premiscous, too sexual, very deceptive, manipulative, lied alot, got out responsibilities by lying. Further as the years went on I was conned 99% by females that on the surface seemed 'innocent'.

But look closely. Many of the type of women that most men find desirable have a 'split personality' Why? Because some of them
have had numerous marriages and children out of wedlock and have not divulged that to their new sex partner.

Many women condone that kind of behavior, many of thrive in that kind of environment.

Premiscous dating patterns in females in the 1980's were contradictory to their parents, and the mothers. Further none of these promiscous patterns were ever divulged to males they dated. Nor was it condoned.

In 2008 I ran into the first obvioius sign of 'sociopathic women'. They are alluring, seductive, attractive oh yes sexual. But there is a jeckyl/hyde type personality lurking behind that 'mask of sanity.'

One slept with me the minute her boyfriend left town. The other had a husband and lied to me even when I asked her "Are you married?" When I confronted the later and said "It wrong. You shouldn't be dating me if you have a husband. She said "He doesn't know. You sure you want to leave me." She began lying and stealing money from him to pay for things during our relationship. I ended the relationship the minute she crossed those lines.

One had a family with me, and another husband and family in another state.

Sound like an LMT movie. It's real. The women who support socipathic promiscuity are themselves sociopaths.

The fact is that feminism the US began with crushing the strong value systems that I liked as a young man in the 1970's. Family time, friendship with you family, spending time with your neighbors.

I am dumb struck by the number of people who write articles about a part of human nature that has become a popular facet of American women. Violent men, vindictive females and their sociopathic pasts.

In 1987 I started dating a women who had'slight sociopathic traits'

Her sex life was more than the average person could imagine. She was premiscous, too sexual, very deceptive, manipulative, lied alot, got out responsibilities by lying. Further as the years went on I was conned 99% by females that on the surface seemed 'innocent'.

But look closely. Many of the type of women that most men find desirable have a 'split personality' Why? Because some of them
have had numerous marriages and children out of wedlock and have not divulged that to their new sex partner.

Many women condone that kind of behavior, many of thrive in that kind of environment.

Premiscous dating patterns in females in the 1980's were contradictory to their parents, and the mothers. Further none of these promiscous patterns were ever divulged to males they dated. Nor was it condoned.

In 2008 I ran into the first obvioius sign of 'sociopathic women'. They are alluring, seductive, attractive oh yes sexual. But there is a jeckyl/hyde type personality lurking behind that 'mask of sanity.'

One slept with me the minute her boyfriend left town. The other had a husband and lied to me even when I asked her "Are you married?" When I confronted the later and said "It wrong. You shouldn't be dating me if you have a husband. She said "He doesn't know. You sure you want to leave me." She began lying and stealing money to pay for her drinks when she was out with me. I ended the relationship the minute she crossed those lines.

One had a family with me, and another husband and family in another state.

Sound like an LMT movie. It's real. The women who support socipathic promiscuity are themselves sociopaths.

The fact is that feminism in the US began with crushing the strong value systems that I liked as a young man in the 1970's. Family time, friendship with you family, spending time with your neighbors.

Further sociopathic women are on the rise. Back in the 1980's socipathic value systems were just beginning. Promiscuity, lying, multiple partners. It was at its infant stages.

But by 2000, during the very time that Barrack Obama became President of the US. promiscuity took a dark turn.

Many women had chosen violence to combine like a deadly cocktail with permiscuity.

Further if you read the internet and think your finding relevant facts your finding threats, grudges, and enough law breaking for a real harassment law suit or criminal charge.

The grudges in the US are staggering. Talks about sociopathism start with women who will not admit that they were too promiscious and used violence to solve their problems with men.

The same women in the above exmaple. When I was a teenager said "You see those guys right there. If you love me beat them senseless." If you can't tell Jekyll from Hyde. You are crazy.

I woke up. You want to know when. When one of those women hunted me with bad men, making violent threats, having explosive narcassistic rage for small things like applying for job, women making threats in public, brining around violent pychopaths to get revenge on the very males they slept with.

Promiscuisity, Vindictive, Violent, Lack of empahty, multiple marriages and children not divulging to thier new partners=Sociopath.Look it up.

Beware of added definitions from "quasi self helpers" those definitions are personal grudges and anger. And line crossing.

The difference between psychopathy and sociopathy is that psychopathy comes later in life maybe a tragic incident not being able to discuss with anyone or parents that were psychopathic .Sociopathy comes from chilhood dysfunctional families all types of abuse and having to be kept silent.

I read probably two paragraphs of this article and it's so wrong. Psychopaths are people who do have bad thinking and don't mind harming others, they have very bad thinking and their mindset is nothing like a sociopath. It's even in the names (psycho+path) psycho meaning mentally ill/dangerous/violent/ etc.
Sociopath is basically like the mindset of wanting to be alone. (socio-path) socio meaning relating to society. So being a sociopath you could maybe have violent thoughts, most people do within their lifetime. But these people refrain from being in public, sociopaths are typically very emotionless and they do tend to lie and act impulsively, as well as lacking regard for others.
So these two are fairly similar, but far from the same.
One being out to hurt and being a complete crazy basically, to one who'd rather be alone in his room instead of being in public and is irregardless for others FEELINGS.

I keep reading all these things because I want to know what my mother is. So far I am still wondering. My friends think she is a psychopath/sociopath (I have no idea which one it would really be either- I also would like more clarification on that, as I've heard at least 3 different answers which contradict each other), but I am not sure as she isn't all that manipulative nor promiscuous. She has almost no empathy- assuming she has any, she seems to, sometimes, but only when it's convenient. I get the feeling she doesn't care about most people at all- she does seem to care about her parents and brothers, but I find it hard to tell if it's genuine love or the realization that society expects it of her. I am sure that she doesn't really care about Dad or me. She fulfills what she thinks is expected of her, and likes to think of herself as a kind, generous, and loved person, especially at work, at church, and when dealing with extended family, but she only does things to help that are easy and don't cost her much. I'm not even sure if she has any kind of real moral code or just restricts her behavior to what society permits and what has no obvious downside for her. I am an empath, and have Asperger's- people who say we can't have empathy are totally wrong on that. We do have trouble with social cues, big time. And my sense of morality is kinda warped too, but a childhood of bullying, and some other things, will do that to a person. It took me 30 years to realize she doesn't actually love me. I wonder how many more years it will take before I really understand why.

I sure hope you're not implying that Geminis are sociopaths? ("..they would be Geminis, with two distinct 'selfs' at work. They are duplicity incarnate, with a polished self shown to the world and a covert, hidden self that has a rigid and calculating agenda...") I'm a Gemini and about the furthest from a sociopath you could get. And I know, I dated one for 2 1/2 years. (A sociopath, not a Gemini.)

I was also taken aback by that statement. Geminis are the communicators and mediators (ruled by Mercury), if you were to go solely according to the Sun sign in western astrology. I've encountered a fair amount of duplicity in every sign, most especially in the on and off, on and off (repeat) relationship I endured for 13 years with a sociopathic Virgo. Joking or not, it was so loosely thrown out there amid the otherwise cohesive information, I can't help but reply, as a Gemini, in a serious tone! Great article overall though, Seth!

How foolish, focused on a subject that simply affects you based on signs that were made by dead men. Don't flatter yourself. What he was saying was that Gemini are Impulsive, Superficial, sometimes even devious. He's saying that a sociopath would be like a Gemini folded onto itself looking at itself in the mirror and going "You are god."

I am not sure whether I am or not a sociopath, currently indecisive. I certainly fit most of the bill from what I've read so far. I've definitely hurt my fair share of people, but only when they've hurt me first.

He too fits ALL the criteria, however what is keeping me from being certain is due to him being diagnosed as having PTSD stemming from being in the Army as an Infantryman for 6 years beginning in 2007. What gets me is evidentally sociopaths are incapable of feeling remorse or empathy- yet my bf DOES FEEL BAD about what he did, it haunts him, hes expressed to me that he feels unworthy of the chance to be a father to his 6 yr old daughter. He has also said currently that there are times when he encounters children in everyday life, and seeing the child will trigger a very horrific memory of children. He has stated he feels as if he were a monster...

Therefore in this particular situation, is it probable that he still very well could be a sociopath - but because the weight of the trauma he experienced in afgan and Iraq, it is something he cant look past? Could the war experience of caused him to begin to feel empathy and or remorse? Considering he still has flashes of horrific images- or memories rather, is it possible that because of what he went through, his conscience was awakened so to speak?

I could give a full psychological breifing hitting the high points to give you more to go off of, but I already didnt mean to make this post so lengthy...

Too many of the criteria of the profile of a sociopath is met for him to not be.

YES. I believe that could be absolutely what is happening. Sociopaths need something severe to shake them out of themselves. I still don't know why sociopaths seek out to feel through other people by hurting them , if I let my mind wander on it I would find out but I'm really not interested. (best way to find truth in something, all the answers are (always) in yourself just have to get in a calm easy mindset and let a bit of attention go on the subject feel cool about it don't rush or force the process but keep guiding your attention to the answer and eventually you will find the answer, the answer will make itself known to you by the feeling it gives you you will just FEEL strong but firm true 'yes' moment of confirmation or it will be a mind blowing revelation either way it will feel firm. You can find any answer and guidance to any kind of problem or mystery that way. The more you do it (this inner guidance) the better your guidance system becomes. Eating food for the brain and nerves is highly recommended such as fish and lettuce)

"I still don't know why sociopaths seek out to feel through other people by hurting them"

The goal of the sociopath is not to hurt people. We try to draw emotions out of people by manipulating them, but our intention is to learn about it. One thing that is pretty standard among sociopaths is the desire to outwit others, so we manipulate people into feeling a certain way not understanding actually how those emotions work and that is what causes pain in those around the sociopath. I am glad you shared your opinion and would be grateful if you attempted to understand mine. Thank you for your time.

YES. I believe that could be absolutely what is happening. Sociopaths need something severe to shake them out of themselves. I still don't know why sociopaths seek out to feel through other people by hurting them , if I let my mind wander on it I would find out but I'm really not interested. (best way to find truth in something, all the answers are (always) in yourself just have to get in a calm easy mindset and let a bit of attention go on the subject feel cool about it don't rush or force the process but keep guiding your attention to the answer and eventually you will find the answer, the answer will make itself known to you by the feeling it gives you you will just FEEL strong but firm true 'yes' moment of confirmation or it will be a mind blowing revelation either way it will feel firm. You can find any answer and guidance to any kind of problem or mystery that way. The more you do it (this inner guidance) the better your guidance system becomes. Eating food for the brain and nerves is highly recommended such as fish and lettuce)

I am a Gemini and am the total opposite of sociopath/psychopaths. Sadly, my Mother and sisters are disturbed people. I am currently distancing myself from all of them and going No Contact. I feel psychologists writing articles such as this need to be far more diligent and responsible and stop with the pity party on behalf of the socio/psycho. I understand it must be pretty awful to be 'trapped' in a narc fake mental prison but it is far far worse to be on the receiving end of their behaviour simply for being a natural born kind and caring person and have your life destroyed by a psycho/socio. Perhaps you could write an article about being human beings that are born kind and genuine and the genetics that may influence these qualities? I would rather be me than them any day. Far too much study goes into bad/evil behaviour. Society could benefit from reading about good and kind people in different cultures. You never know, it might catch on...

There is someone named Dr. George K. Simon that has NO PITY on sociopaths/disturbed characters. Check out his books and he also has some interviews posted on YouTube. Amazing is the only word I can think of to describe him lol
:-)

if i remember correctly, jodi arias stalked her victim, slashed his tires when he visited another woman and eventually murdered him because he rejected her. (correct me if im wrong here)
how does that fit into the profile of a sociopath? i thought a sociopath cant build emotional attachments which could lead to a jealousy murder. or did she view him as some sort of object belonging to her and his walking out on her made her kill him in rage? seems far-fetched.
would love to read your take on that seth.

I appreciate your openness in discussing your view that what most people view as evil is simply a form of mental illness they don't understand or seek to understand. I'd love, however, to hear your thoughts about how this applies to society as a whole. In many instances the American Dream consists of using others as stepping stones (even to the point of damaging relationships) in order to achieve one's dreams. Likewise politics and religion generally involve demonizing those with different points of view. If systemic institutions and cultural ideals that form the backbone of our society promote self-advancement at the cost of others (very similar to sociopathy), do these systems reflect and ultimately reinforce a collective mental illness?

I suppose in order for evil to exist it would need to have a personality distinct from the individual who engages in it.

at this point. I believe that it grows out of narcissism, which can beBoth of your questions are framed in our current cultural context, at this time. Whether or not evil exists is as old as time, but if you ask is there a force which has as its agenda to oppose spiritual light and growth in the world, my personal answer would be , Yes. I also believe that, at this time, it is working overtime, trying to extinguish what is being born around the world: a desire for personal freedom, a desire to be heard ,and to have one's rights protected, demand that truth no longer be suppressed.
What began as free enterprise and the American Dream has been distorted over time and has become runaway greed, especially in the hands of large banks and corporations who seem to be in control more than we had ever imagined, of our government.This would pretty much apply to any institution with a lot of authority, and that authority is finally being held up to the light for questioning.
What this has to do with sociopaths is, as you put it, using others as stepping stones. The trait has become so rampant that it seems genetic come toxic in pursuit of getting its supplies and wreaking vengeance on anyone who would deny them. A narcissistic wound is: going postal if you lose your job, killing your fiance if she changes her mind. It's anything that feels humiliating. Death is not even enough of a revenge.
It's hard to call it mental illness when a small amount if it is almost necessary to function in a competitive market.It is certainly a collective moral failure that will ultimate be, I believe, unbelievably destructive of the very fabric it is woven into.There are people born without a conscience, but what we are talking about is how they thrive in the cultural medium we have today.Look at the media and see the fear and violence we are being fed and ask yourself if your survival needs are threatened. You can always buy guns. If you are angry at your family, you can always buy guns. The right to buy and sell almost anything is more protected than your right to a non-toxic environment, healthy food and a job.Being a sociopath makes sense.

How can you feel so detached from us. We rely upon you for our own self interest. You rely on us for the feeling of being special. In truth we have no care for you, does that outlaw us from society? You would wish you could be as emotionally detached and still read people like a book, be naturally charming and manipulative by impulse.

We are everywhere and anywhere. If you dislike it so much don't comment on it. We thrive on seeing you squirm and getting it wrong.

I love the way I am. I just don't like how we are all grouped together under one, frankly disgusting, label that 'defines' how we all are in society. I myself am highly-functional and work well in society and have done nothing wrong. I would not feel better about myself for changing either because it is denying who I really am. Would you ask a homosexual to become straight just to fit in and 'feel better' about themselves. Or to a coloured person or a woman who does not like that society classes her as a housewife forever who is below a man. Would you tell them to get a sex change. What you are asking is beyond belief.